YouTube is intensifying its efforts to combat ad-blockers globally, leading to a significant slowdown in service for users. This move aims to enforce YouTube’s Terms of Service and tackle the violation posed by ad-blocker usage. The platform now takes a more assertive approach by deliberately slowing down the entire site when it detects the presence of an ad-blocker, termed as “suboptimal viewing” by Google.
Previously, YouTube displayed a message stating that ad-blockers violated its Terms of Service and prompted users to either disable the ad-blocker or subscribe to YouTube Premium for an ad-free experience. However, this recent development goes further, causing delays and stutters, particularly on Google Chrome for users employing ad-blockers.
Reports indicate that users experience laggy and unresponsive behavior on YouTube until ad-blockers are disabled. The online community has engaged in discussions, questioning the ethical implications of YouTube’s tactics and their impact on user experience.
YouTube, a subsidiary of Google, has not officially commented on this matter, leading to speculation within the online community about the motivations behind these stringent measures. YouTube Premium, the ad-free subscription service, is priced at $13.99 per month, with yearly and student plans also available. As users face the choice between enduring a slowed-down YouTube experience or encountering a barrage of advertisements, the platform’s future handling of this situation remains uncertain.
